Laurel W. Phillips Inspired Solutions Mediation Services Email Us 6276 Duanesburg Road Duanesburg, New York 12056 Phone: 518-369-2936 (By Appointment Only) 1187 Troy Schenectady Road Latham, New York 12110

About Us

I founded Inspired Solution Mediation Services as way to help conflicted families - especially, but not limited to, those experiencing divorce - to find creative solutions and maintain some control over what is happening to them. Since beginning to mediate, I have also added relationship-coaching services for individual clients who want to have the best relationships possible, and conflict-resolution training workshops to our services.

Over twelve years of professional experience working with individuals and families has shown me that when family members litigate against one another, they often lose control of the situation. Attorneys represent only one side and judges make decisions with limited understanding of what will work best in your particular circumstances. These situations are often financially, emotionally and spiritually devastating for everyone involved.

I believe there is a better way to approach family conflict. I seek to mediate family solutions that are in the best interests of the whole family, and agreements that promise the best future possible under the circumstances. With individuals, I seek to help you grow in your own understanding of handling personal conflict.

I am an ordained United Methodist pastor who works full time as a mediator and coach. My theology is progressive, my philosophy is inclusive, and I welcome clients of all or no religious backgrounds who want to resolve family conflict in ways that heal the wounds of the past and offer hope for whatever the future holds.

-- Rev. Laurel W. Phillips

Rev. Phillips holds a Bachelor's degree in English from Keene State University in Keene, NH; a Master of Divinity from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, IL; and a Certificate of Completion from the Center for Mediation and Training in New York City. She is a member of and a Practitioner with the Association for Conflict Resolution, and a member of the New York State Council on Divorce Mediation.

Divorce Mediation

Why choose Divorce Mediation?

Separation and Divorce are among the most painful and disruptive events an individual and family can experience. The problems are both financial and emotional, deeply touching all members of the family.

Mediation aims at reducing this tension, not increasing it. With the help of the mediator, couples negotiate their own settlement and learn the techniques for resolving future differences. Mediation is for couples who want to maintain control over the decisions that affect their lives and don’t want their children caught in the middle.

Mediation is not just for people who already know how to cooperate. Mediators show people how to work together productively in spite of their anger.

Here are the answers to more frequent questions about Divorce Mediation:

What are the benefits of choosing Divorce Mediation over litigation?

While the goal of divorce mediation is to produce an agreement, mediation also:

• takes less time than typical divorce litigation, so you can move ahead with your life.
• costs less than litigation.
• allows you to control the decisions that affect your life.
• provides for flexible, personalized solutions in agreements.
• benefits children and others by reducing conflict.
• avoids public disclosure of financial and personal matters because it is confidential.
• promotes communication and cooperation, now and in the future.
  

How does Divorce Mediation work?

In Divorce Mediation, a specially trained mediator will meet with you and your spouse and help you work together to reach agreement. Mediators also help couples with children separate their spousal role, which is ending, from their parental role, which is continuing.

With the mediator’s help, agreements are reached that handle both immediate and long-range concerns. The mediator will focus on the relevant issues and help identify possible options. You will actively participate in the negotiations leading to reasonable solutions and a mutually satisfactory agreement that considers the needs of all family members.

The divorce mediator’s job is to help a couple arrive at a fair and satisfactory settlement, with no winner or loser. The mediator is not an advocate for either party and does not make any decisions. Instead, the mediator helps the couple explore all options and their consequences. The mediator works to ensure that neither party gives away too much, nor dominates the other. If one party seems to be more powerful or a better negotiator, the mediator helps balance the power.

Mediation is also for couples who do not have children, or whose children are grown.

Will I need an Attorney?

Once agreement is reached, the mediator will have an attorney case consultant draft the Legal Separation Agreement based on decisions reached by the couple during mediation. Each party is encouraged to have the draft agreement reviewed by an independent attorney before signing it. The signed agreement becomes a binding contract and may then be used as the basis for an uncontested divorce. The cost of hiring an an attorney to review the agreement is significantly less than hiring an attorney for litigation

What is decided & how?

The couple and mediator have an initial consultation, at which the mediation process is explained in detail. At subsequent sessions, the couple, with the help of the mediator, begins to discuss their concerns. They gather any necessary financial or other data needed to make decisions. Step by step, they make decisions about the type of agreement they want. During this process, care is taken to make sure that the needs of all family members are considered.

Agreements made in mediation include the same points any divorce process addresses:

• division of property
• parenting arrangements
• child support
• spousal maintenance
• tax implications
• ways to avoid future problems
  

In addition, the couple can discuss any other points they feel are necessary, such as grandparent or other family member access to the children, special circumstances, detailed parenting plans, how future disagreements will be handled, etc.

How long does Divorce Mediation take & what does it cost?

The initial free consultation takes 30-40 minutes. Subsequent mediation sessions last one to two hours each. Sessions are usually scheduled a week or two apart. The average case takes 4 full sessions (6-8 hours). Unlike the court process, mediation does not drag on indefinitely.

Mediation time is charged on an hourly basis at $150/hour, payable at the beginning of each mediation session. Attorney fees for drafting the Legal Separation Agreement range from $700—$1200 and are paid separately. The couple decides how to share these costs.

There may be additional fees if the couple chooses to consult with other professionals as part of the mediation (e.g. accountants, real estate professionals, child psychologists) and individual attorneys for final document review.

Even with any additional fees, the cost for a mediated settlement will usually be considerably less than the both parties' cost for a litigated settlement, and is always controlled by the couple. How do we get started?

Contact Inspired Solution Mediation Services by phone, e-mail or by completing a request form to schedule a free, 30 minute consultation.

Find out how mediation can help you separate or divorce while maintaining control over decisions affecting you and your family, keeping your parenting roles intact and significantly reducing the financial burden of separation and divorce.

Please email us or visit our website for additional information.